Assistant Curator, Aquatics and Amphibians

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Museum of Science, Boston

www.mos.org

Innovation and creativity come from the unique perspectives of a diverse staff. We value your perspective.

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Who We Are

As science and technology increasingly shape our lives, the Museum of Science strives to equip and inspire everyone to use science for the global good while keeping up with the pace of change.   Among the world’s largest science centers and New England’s most attended cultural institution, we engage nearly five million people a year – at Science Park and in museums around the world, in classrooms, and online.

The Museum’s singular location connecting Boston and Cambridge puts us at the junction of some of the world’s most influential academic institutions and industries, local and state government, schools, and the public. Trusted by each sector, we are ideally positioned to convene, inspire, and create meaningful experiences for all.  Come join us on our mission to inspire a lifelong love of science in everyone and living our vision for a world where science belongs to each of us for the good of all of us.

Why We Need You

The Museum of Science, Boston, is seeking an Assistant Curator, Aquatics and Amphibians to join the growing Living Collections team. They will be responsible for caring for and maintaining a diverse collection of aquatic and amphibian species which consists of approximately 28 species with more that are soon to come as we build our Life in the Forests exhibit. This position will ensure proper maintenance and operation of multiple life support systems throughout the museum. We are seeking an individual who has a strong understanding of aquatics and amphibian needs with commitment to providing the highest level of animal care and wellbeing within our AZA accredited facility.

What You’ll Accomplish

• Animal and plant care: Care and husbandry of all aquatics (including fish, crustaceans, freshwater turtles), amphibians (both aquatic and terrestrial) and aquatic plants in our collection. Develop standard operating procedures for the plants and animals under your assignment and train staff, interns, and volunteers on proper care.
• Life Support Systems: Maintain, monitor and train staff in the proper use and operation of all LSS within the Museum of Science. Monitor and maintain proper water quality within those systems.
• Animal Welfare: Actively participate in welfare assessments and environmental enrichment programs to maintain high levels of animal welfare with follow-up actions and attention to detail. Ensure appropriate environmental parameters are being met.
• Record keeping: Maintenance of current records for all aquatics, amphibians, and LSS.
• Medical Care: Under the direction of veterinary staff participate in veterinary procedures and delivery of medications. Communicate with Manager and veterinary team about any concerns pertaining to the animals under your care.
• Institutional collection plan: Assist the Manger and General Curator with the maintenance and development of the ICP. Assisting with animal selections acquisitions, transport, and dispositions when needed.

 

What We’re Looking For (Competencies)

• Collaboration and Community: Motivated to share knowledge and build strong relationships across the Museum and interdepartmentally, while proudly educating guests about our animals through programming and daily interactions.
• Resilience and Adaptability: Understanding that the Museum is an ever evolving and advancing institution. Ability to problem solve and change course when needed to best meet the needs of the animals, department, and Museum community.
• Creativity and Innovation: Ability to think outside the box and stay open to new ideas, supporting the department in upholding modern best practices in animal care and advancing excellence in animal wellbeing.

 

Job-Specific Requirements

• Working knowledge of modern animal care techniques including enrichment and welfare assessments with a familiarity of AZA and USDA standards and expectations.
• Previous experience working with a variety of species including, but not limited to, fish, invertebrates, reptiles, and amphibians. (preferably in an AZA facility) With the ability to provide proper care and support for these species as assigned.
• Regular exposure to animals and animal-related materials, including potential allergens (e.g., dander, feed, bedding). Must be able to perform these duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must be able to lift up to 50lbs and push/pull or otherwise move up to 100lbs, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal: Experience creating standard operating procedures and training staff, interns, and volunteers on the proper care and use of our animals and LSS. Confidence to give educational presentations to museum guests.
• Knowledge of various life support systems (operation, maintenance, inspection, cleaning, and set-up) and how to test and maintain proper water qualities.
• Proficient in the use of ZIMS (or Tracks) record keeping systems and Microsoft office.
• Ability to work weekends and holidays and after-hour shifts as required for the health and safety of our animals.

 

How We Work-Our Values

Mission-Focused: We inspire a lifelong love of science in everyone. 

Audience-Driven: Everything we do begins with the people we serve.

Innovative: We are curious, take smart risks, share responsibility, and own outcomes.

Generous: We offer time and energy towards common goals.